Expat operated take-out from home kitchen? (Shanghai)

Hi all. I’m new here -- a future-expat excited to be moving to Shanghai in September! I wondered if I could pick your collective brains about something I’ve heard from a friend.

I’m a journalist and big foodie and keen to learn about the food scene out there. I’ve been told that among expats there are mini-restaurants or make-shift take-aways that people operate out of their home kitchens -- British expats cooking British food for other local expats, Indian expats for Indians, etc. ect.

Is this something you guys have come across? Have you ever got food from one? Is it common?

It sounds v cool and something I’d totally be into. Is it real though?!? Would love to hear if you've had any experience.